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Ethan Weisgard Biography - 2
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There is a large network of clubs in Sweden and Denmark
that, after starting under Tomita Sensei's guidance, became
directly affiliated with Saito Sensei in Iwama, Japan. Saito
Sensei appointed Ulf Evenås from the Gothenburg Aikido Club,
together with Paolo Corallini from Italy, as Shihan (top
representatives)
of our international group of clubs, all training as
students under his guidance.
I was honored to be appointed direct representative of what
was then called Iwama Ryu in Denmark by Saito Sensei.
The term Iwama Ryu is now no longer used by our group, since
it can be taken as a sign of separation from the lineage of
aikido as represented by the Ueshiba family. This is by no
means our intention. On the contrary, Saito Sensei`s last
wish was for us to continue to be a part of the aikido
community as represented by the Aikikai Hombu Dojo, and the
Ueshiba family. I will honor his wish to my utmost.
I went to Iwama as uchi-deshi (direct live-in student) for
the first time in 1984, staying for two months. At that time
there were very few uchi-deshi and I was privileged to
receive much attention during my stay there from Saito
Sensei. I have been back to study with Saito Sensei ten
times since then, both as uchi-deshi as well as spending a
year and three months as soto-deshi (direct student living
close to the dojo) in 1990 - 91.
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